Skeletal System

Let’s get down to the bare bones: You need your skeleton. The skeletal system, or framework of bones, doesn’t just hold you up. It gives your body its shape, protects your organs, and works with your muscles to help you move.

• Most bones start out as cartilage

• Most bones have growth plates for future growth

• Some cartilage is never replaced

• where two or more bones meet

• allow for movement when muscles contract

• fixed joints allow little movement

• ball and socket example: shoulder and hip

• hinge example: elbows knees fingers

• gliding example: wrist and ankle

• saddle example: thumb and pivot example: neck

• held together by connective tissue called ligaments

• cartilage covers the ends of bones were they meet other bones

At birth, you had more than 300 bones, which fused together as you grew. By the time your body is finished growing, you’ll have about 206 bones. Researchers at Wright State University School of Medicine in Ohio have discovered that kids who exercise have stronger bones as adults.

The stirrup bone, also called the stapes, is in the ear. It is the smallest bone in the human body.

Your RIBS provides a protective casing for important organs, such as your heart and lungs.

The spine is made up of 33 bones called the vertebrae.

Your body comprises many movable bones, such as the humerus, which is located in the upper arm. The thigh bone is called the FEMUR. It’s the longest and strongest bone in your body.

• Fractures

• dislocated joint

• sprain

• osteoporosis

• arthritis

How else can you bone up? Make sure your body gets enough calcium. That bone-building mineral is found in foods and drinks such as yogurt, leafy greens, and milk.